Two CFISD Students Selected for Prestigious Macy’s Great American Marching Band Program
As millions of viewers across the country tune in to watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this Thursday, two Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students will be among the young performers marching down the streets of Manhattan as part of the prestigious Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
Cy-Fair High School senior Hannah Bockhahn and Cypress Woods High School junior Lance Jehlik have been selected from hundreds of applicants across the country to perform in one of the most iconic holiday events in the U.S., representing not only their schools but the greater Houston area on a national stage.
Bockhahn, who is also a Squad Leader in the Color Guard at Cy-Fair High School, will march as one of only 40 color guard members chosen nationwide, while Jehlik will take the spotlight as a trombone player among approximately 185 top high school musicians in the ensemble.
“Receiving this honor of playing in the parade means so much to me, and I hope that me going to something like this inspires other underclassmen not only at Cy Woods, but around the district,” Jehlik said. “Being selected makes me feel grateful to all the directors and clinicians, especially T.J. Peterman, who have taught me over the past six years.”
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The two students earned their spots in the band through a competitive national audition process that included submitting performance videos and written materials.
“Once my videos were submitted, it took several months for them to get back to me. When I got the acceptance email, I immediately shared the news with my mom. I was so excited to hear that they wanted me to be a part of such an amazing band,” said Bockhahn. “It means so much to me to have this experience since I have always wanted to continue color guard after high school.”
Both students flew into New York City on Saturday, November 22, 2025, to begin a week of rehearsals and preparation with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band ahead of the nationally televised event.
What Makes the Macy’s Parade So Iconic?
First launched in 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown into a beloved American tradition, featuring towering character balloons, Broadway performances, floats, celebrities, and performances from top marching bands from across the country. With an estimated 3.5 million spectators on the streets of New York City and over 50 million viewers tuning in via television and streaming, the event holds a special place in holiday celebrations across the U.S.
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| Cy-Fair High School senior Hannah Bockhahn, left, and Cypress Woods High School junior Lance Jehlik, right, will be performing in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the prestigious Macy’s Great American Marching Band. (Source: CFISD) | |
The Macy’s Great American Marching Band, which first joined the parade lineup in 2006, brings together elite high school performers from every state to form one spectacular ensemble. Students spend the week before Thanksgiving rehearsing intensively and experiencing the sights and sounds of New York City before the big day.
This year’s band is under the leadership of Dr. Richard Good of Auburn University, alongside a dedicated team of band directors, clinicians, and staff who ensure all student musicians are parade-ready.
“I waited for months after submitting my audition. I received the news in an email in March. I was so excited and happy! After months of waiting, it was one of the best things ever,” Jehlik said of hearing the good news.
Houston Pride on a National Stage
As local families gather for Thanksgiving, many in the Cypress and Northwest Houston communities will have extra reason to tune in. The national spotlight shining on Bockhahn and Jehlik is a point of pride for Cy-Fair ISD and the wider Houston-area fine arts programs, which have long been known for their excellence.
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“I would also like to thank all the color guard staff and clinicians I’ve had the past four years, but specifically my head coach, Kesley Hernandez. Without her, I wouldn’t have my current skill level or have been able to experience something this amazing,” Bockhahn shared.
How to Watch
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs Thursday, November 28, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Central Time on NBC, and can also be streamed live on Peacock.
For the Cypress community, it will be a chance to cheer for two hometown students whose talent and hard work have taken them from the rehearsal halls of Cy-Fair ISD to one of the nation’s most iconic holiday stages.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
